Andrew Mountbatten Windsor— who is set to be stripped of his Royal title —is facing mounting pressure to give evidence before a powerful US Congressional committee over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The King removed his younger brother’s prince and Duke of York titles on Thursday night, with Buckingham Palace issuing a statement stressing that both he and Camilla were thinking of victims of abuse. The move comes amid intense scrutiny over Andrew’s ties to Epstein and ongoing calls for transparency from US lawmakers.
Members of the House Oversight Committee have urged Andrew to reveal what he knew about the convicted sex trafficker. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat Representative, told BBC Newsnight: “I would go so far as to subpoena him. Enforcing such subpoenas against someone abroad is complex, but if Andrew comes to the United States, he would fall under Congress’s jurisdiction. Come clean. Come voluntarily. Don’t wait for a subpoena. Come forward and testify.”
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told BBC Radio 4: “We want Andrew to tell us everything he knows about Epstein and the crimes committed. This would help him clear his name and support justice for the victims.” He added that Andrew’s name has come up repeatedly in connection with victims’ statements, suggesting he may hold key information.
The Metropolitan Police said they were made aware of allegations relating to non-recent sexual trafficking in 2015, including incidents outside the UK and one in central London in 2001. Following legal advice, officers concluded that other jurisdictions were better placed to investigate these allegations, and a full criminal investigation was not pursued.
Meanwhile, Andrew is set to relocate from Windsor to private accommodation in Sandringham, Norfolk, reportedly receiving a six-figure payment plus an annual stipend as part of a “relocation settlement.”
This follows his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson’s announcement that she would leave Royal Lodge, forcing the former duke to find alternative housing.
Earlier this year, Andrew agreed to stop using his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, in which she accused him of sexually assaulting her as a teenager—a claim he strenuously denies.
Allegations have also emerged that Andrew sought to use a taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Ms Giuffre, including accessing her personal details.
The Public Accounts Committee has contacted the Crown Estate and the Treasury for details about Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease, which provoked public outcry over its nominal “peppercorn” rent.
The King’s’ actions to strip Andrew of his titles have had immediate consequences. The former prince’s name has been removed from the official roll of the peerage, meaning the Duke of York title will no longer be used.
In the coming days, the King is expected to issue the royal warrant and letters patent to remove Andrew’s entitlement to the prince title and HRH style entirely.
The former duke had a long-term “cast-iron” lease for Royal Lodge. Only after negotiations with the King’s representatives did he agree to surrender the lease, which still had more than 50 years left.
Reports suggest that his relocation package is intended to help him transition into private life, including a six-figure one-off payment and an annual stipend significantly above his £20,000-a-year navy pension.
The palace has stressed that these moves are part of broader efforts to support victims of abuse while ensuring Andrew’s exit from public royal life is orderly. With congressional subpoenas looming, US lawmakers are signaling that Andrew’s cooperation—or continued silence—will remain under intense scrutiny.